To be honest, it kind of just happened on its own. I’d always been drawn to writing; it was the only subject that could still hold my attention in high school and something that just came very naturally to me. My whole class would be doing a book report on a Steinbeck book or some other classic shit, and somehow I’d manage to talk my teachers into letting me write about Anthony Burgess or Nabokov instead. Pretty soon I was doing more writing outside of school than in school. My initial outlet was given to me by Leah at Married to the Mob—she saw all this potential in me that, at the time, I couldn’t really see in myself, but the Mob Living blog is where it all took off. If it weren’t for her providing me with that platform, allowing me to garner so much attention to my “work” and writing from such an early age, I really don’t know if I would’ve believed in myself enough to get motivated the way she motivated me.

So Leah was a huge inspiration, along with all the amazing readers who’ve showed me so much love throughout the years. It’s also amazing for a writer to be able to look back on the entire timeline of your work; watching the evolution from 15-year-old me to a decade later has not only been inspiring for self, but an invaluable tool for growth. I read my teenage musings and literally cringe—sometimes I can’t even keep going, I just wanna dig a hole six-feet deep and bury the shit. Actually, one time I set a grip of notes on fire and then threw them in the scary pit between my apartment building and the one next to it. No lie. But being able to look back on work like that, especially during a time when you’re changing as an individual almost month to month, it really allows you to finesse your craft, correct your errors, and develop a legitimately unique personal style.

(shot by Sais TV)

Her advice to you:

Be humble and patient! In my experience, patience is the biggest thing. There have been so many opportunities that passed me by, some super enticing, some that would have proved very lucrative, but if anything about it feels wrong, just pass and wait on it. Your time will come. I used to get so upset seeing others around me getting jobs I thought I should have gotten, or think, “If only I put myself out there more socially, or went to more parties, or did the networking bullshit more, I’d have that,” but you’ve gotta get past that. Don’t fall for the FOMO. Things always look better on paper or via social media, but just about everything comes with conditions. Pace yourself, because long-term, slow and steady wins the race. That said, don’t get complacent either. If you’re looking for work, stay on the hunt and send that resume out. Use idle time to perfect yourself and heighten your own personal standards. Then when everybody least expects it—hit em’ with it. And this is the ultimate cliché (and one that usually leaves you broke), but try to only do things that make you happy. Work will always suck at times, but as long as the good days outweigh the shitty, stressful ones, you’re on the right track.

(shot by Luisa Opalesky)

PS did you know Married to the Mob is dropping some new fire (and an exciting new collab!) for Holiday, so fuck with Tabatha's boos and stay tuned to @marriedtothemobny for that—otherwise, everyone in NYC go visit her at Agent Provocateur Bloomingdale’s and help her reach her sales goal! Oh, and she sells prints of her collages, so *hint hint* to that too!